The Frigid Plunge For Cystic Fibrosis

Participants brave the frigid weather during last year’s “Take The Plunge For Cystic Fibrosis.” The 11th Annual “Take the Plunge For Cystic Fibrosis” is set to take place on Saturday and the group calls upon anyone who dares to take to the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for a cure.

Organizers remind people that the plunge will take place regardless of whether snow is on the ground. During last year’s event more than 200 people took to the 40 degree water despite the fact that the snow flurries were ‘raining’ down on them.

Plungers can meet at St. Camillus’ Springman Hall, located at 185 Beach 99 Street, for registration at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m. everyone walks down to the ocean at Beach 99 Street for the plunge. Participants will then return to the hall for a party and gala with food, drinks and music.

Rockaway resident John McMahon, whose daughter has cystic fibrosis, is the co-founder of the event and donates 100 percent of the proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Participants raise money for the disease through sponsorships.

Anyone who prefers to stay inside or not participate in the plunge can still attend the after party for a $50 donation. More information can be found on the Internet at:

Rockawayplunge.com or by calling Claire Conti at 718-474-0749 or Jim Mullen at 718-474-8062.

Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease that is usually discovered in infancy. It affects various glands and results in secretion of thick mucus that blocks internal passages, including those of the lungs, causing respiratory infections.

The pancreas is also affected when digestive enzymes fail and impair nutrition. More than 30,000 Americans are infected and 70,000 worldwide. Despite the consistent rise in life expectancy over the past 50 years, most cystic fibrosis patients only live to a median age of 37. There are approximately 1,000 new cases reported each year.